Topias Leinonen

Topias Leinonen (born 25 January 2004) is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender for the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). Leinonen was selected 41st overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2nd round of the 2022 NHL entry draft.

Playing career After playing for Ilves in his youth, Leinonen moved to JYP Jyväskylä's Under-16 program. He played for the JYP Under-16 team in 2018–19, and the Under-18 team in 2019–20. After playing 15 for the Under-20 team in 2020–21, Leinonen played 21 games for the Under-20 team in the 2021–22 season and played 4 games in Liiga for the senior team.

In 2021–22 he spent time on loan with KeuPa HT of Mestis. thumb

Going into the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Leinonen was regarded as the top goaltending prospect He was drafted 41st overall by the Buffalo Sabres, as the first goaltender selected in the 2022 NHL entry draft.

Leinonen joined Mora IK in the HockeyAllsvenskan in the 2024–25 season. He played 25 games for Mora where he recorded a 2.31 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. He reported to the Rochester Americans on a professional tryout agreement for the remainder of the 2024–25 season before being released from the PTO in May. On 4 February 2026, Leinonen was reassigned to the Jacksonville Icemen, the ECHL affiliate of the Sabres. International play

Leinonen represented Finland at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics, where he played 4 games with a .837 save percentage.

Leinonen represented Finland at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded a 2.61 goals against average and a .897 save percentage in 5 games played en route to a bronze medal.

Personal life Leinonen is the son of former Finnish ice hockey goaltender Tero Leinonen.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International